Arsenal youngster Danny Crowley set to get call up for England squad before Ireland get to him

Aidan Fitzmaurice
– 06 October 2015 02:30 AM

Arsenal’s Danny Crowley

The English FA have made it clear that they are deadly serious about not losing another Jack Grealish figure to the Ireland set-up by calling on Arsenal prospect Danny Crowley.

Currently on loan from the Gunners to Walsall, Crowley has been capped by England at underage level but he is eligible for Ireland, and Martin O'Neill had hoped to lure the player into the FAI's hold.

But last night England U19 boss Aidy Boothroyd called Crowley in to his squad for Euro qualifiers against Macedonia, Finland and Italy in the coming days, Crowley added in as a replacement for Chelsea prospect Isaiah Brown.

O'Neill is aware of Crowley's potential and he has even held a meeting with the player's father, with the prospect of persuading him to join up with Ireland.

"I spoke to his father and we had a very civil conversation. We would have a real, genuine interest in that. I think the young lad has really decent ability," O'Neill said last month.

"He certainly looks as if he possesses the ability to go on and be a really decent player, he looks to have a decent future."

Aware that they almost 'lost' Grealish to the FAI, England have stepped up their scouting system and now have ex-Ireland international Lee Carsley on the staff with the English U19 side.